Franck Ribery has called it outright robbery, and he recently fueled this old flame again with some comments on social media.
Context of the 2013 Ballon d’Or: The Duopoly of Ronaldo and Messi, and the Need for Change
Ballon d’Or winner, since 2008 to 2012 had been awarded to either Lionel Messi (four times) or Cristiano Ronaldo (one time). Therefore, in 2013, the world of football wanted something new, as well as a new name on the Ballon d’Or.
Franck Ribery had an incredible season with Bayern Munich (that finished the season with a historic treble [Bundesliga + Cup + Champions League] and then also the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup]. Ribery was the heart and engine of this unbeatable machine.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended the season without a trophy at Real Madrid; meanwhile, Lionel Messi only took home La Liga, and he missed numerous matches due to injury.
Champions League Season (2012-2013): The Competition Between Ribery and Ronaldo, Messi Hanging In With Injuries
Ribéry vs Ronaldo – goal.com
Bayern Munich take home the treble; Ribery provides the game-winning pass to Robben in the Champions League final in extra time. The UEFA Player of the Year in Europe in that season goes to Ribery.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 65 goals for Real Madrid and 10 for Portugal, while becoming the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer with 12 goals (at that time). Cristiano Ronaldo nearly single-handedly led Portugal to the 2014 World Cup with a heroic hat-trick in the playoff against Sweden.
Lionel Messi scored 46 goals in 50 matches for Barcelona despite being injured throughout much of the season.
Voting Process: Shady Deals and Suspicions That Will Not Go Away
They extended the voting deadline from November 15th to November 29th… after Ronaldo’s three-goal performance in a 3-2 victory over Sweden in a World Cup playoff match. In the additional two weeks, Ronaldo would score two more hat-tricks for Real Madrid.
Final Tally: Ronaldo (27.99%), Messi (24.72%), Ribery (23.36%) – A Very Thin Margin.
One of the coaches from Kuwait comes out and states that his votes were altered. Later, Platini jokes (half-joking) about extending the deadline solely “to please Ronaldo”.
Reaction of Ribery: From Silent Disappointment to Public Outrage
At the gala, Ribery acted very dignified on the surface, however, you could tell there was a lot of disappointment written all over his face. Eventually, Ribery begins to speak directly and clearly: “They stole it from me”, “It was a political decision”.
Five years later, after Cristiano Ronaldo says the Ballon d’Or should be given to whoever makes it to the Champions League finals, Ribery responds on social media: “So now you have to win the Champions League to get the Ballon d’Or?” followed by a series of laughing emojis.
Why Do Many People Still Think the 2013 Ballon d’Or Was “A Shame”?
Ribery takes home virtually everything possible at the club level and is named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe, however, he loses to a player with no team trophies. The extended voting window along with vote tampering accusations makes the whole process stink.
On the other hand — Cristiano Ronaldo’s crazy 65 goals in the calendar year and his almost solo effort to get Portugal into the World Cup.
Golden Ball 2013 Ronaldo – beinsports.com
Case of Ronaldo: The Statistics Tell Their Own Story (Almost)
Cristiano Ronaldo was Europe’s number one goal-scorer in 2013 (65 goals), set the record for most single-season Champions League goals (12 goals), and essentially saved Portugal’s World Cup dreams on his own.
Many of Ronaldo’s supporters believe the Ballon d’Or should honor individual greatness, not just team success.
Legacy of the 2013 Ballon d’Or Debates and Why They Continue To Sting
The 2013 Ballon d’Or loss will forever be the largest missed opportunity for Ribery — the one that could have put his name on the Ballon d’Or winner’s list. He retired without ever receiving the award.
Ronaldo continued to build upon his Ballon d’Or and major trophy collection. The debate over the 2013 Ballon d’Or continues to rage, occasionally resurfacing to prove that what constitutes the “best player in the world” is extremely subjective and emotional.
